Hampton School Employees Pledge To Give Kids Their Best

August 20, 1997|By SANDRA TAN Daily Press

HAMPTON — They were even holding hands.

For the first time in more than 25 years, the several thousand employees of Hampton city schools came together Tuesday to celebrate the start of a new school year and to pledge their best for children.

They were janitors, teachers, clerks, cafeteria workers and administrators.

Some music and inspirational words about teamwork reinforced the school system slogan, "Better ... Together."

"This year holds much promise for us," said Superintendent Billy Cannaday, "and for those who are the naysayers, we will change their minds. Teams and families are resilient, and when things get tough, they pull together."

Things got tough early Tuesday as carloads of school employees descended on the Hampton University Convocation Center where opening ceremonies were being held. A clog at the narrow university entranceway led to back-ups on Interstate 64 and major traffic tie-ups in downtown Hampton.

"I was on the interstate until it was over," said Lavonne Hoffman, an eighth-grade teacher at Davis Middle School. "I left on time."

Those who managed to get to the ceremony were treated to an update on last year's school successes and a video tribute to teachers with background music from rap star Coolio.

With some amusement and a bit of urging, the school staff also held hands and recited a school pledge created just for the occasion.

The entire event cost about $2,000 to host, said school spokeswoman Ann Stephens. Of that amount, $800 went to ice cream for all the attendees who mingled on the arena floor during the post-ceremony social.

Spirits were high as staffers passed around handshakes and hugs. A few even put on some dance steps to the high-energy music blaring from the stage speakers.

Tanya Sykes and Wanda Hatchett, staff members at Mary Peake Early Childhood Center, got busy moving their arms and hips to the Macarena song.

"I think they should do this every year," Sykes said.

Many of the those who attended agreed that the event was a morale booster.

"I liked the pledge we all said together," said Dorothy Garrity, a Kecoughtan High School teacher who was sucking on a frozen juice bar. "All of us are working together one way or another. We're all working for the kids."

Millicent Rogers, a third-grade teacher at John Tyler Elementary School, said, "It was very positive, very motivational. We've been energized like the Duracell battery."